Former Manchester United, Real Madrid and France defender Raphael Varane has retired from playing at the age of 31.
Varane signed a free transfer to play for Italian team Como in July, but he injured his knee in his debut match against Sampdoria last month.
The center back plans to remain with the team in a non-playing capacity.
“I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game,” he wrote on Instagram. “It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct.”
Varane started his career with Lens, a French team, however he was only in the first squad for one season before moving to Real Madrid in 2011.
During his illustrious ten-year tenure in the Spanish metropolis, he secured eighteen trophies, comprising three La Liga championships and four Champions Leagues.
After paying an initial £34 million to transfer to Old Trafford in the summer of 2021, the defender made 95 appearances across all competitions.
His last game for the team was an FA Cup final triumph over rivals Manchester City at Wembley in May. He won the Carabao Cup in 2022.
Following his 2013 debut, Varane gained 93 caps for France, winning the World Cup in 2018, the Nations League in 2021, and another trip to the World Cup final. in 2022.
He said:
“I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time, it’s the moment to stop and hang my boots up with my final game winning a trophy at Wembley,” he said.
“I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have won more than I could have even dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I am proud that no matter what, I have stuck to my principles of being sincere and have tried to leave everywhere better than I found it. I hope I have made you all proud.”
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